They’re not the experts

Before you head to the market to pick up a fitness DVD — in all likelihood endorsed by your favourite Bollywood beauty — think again. Giving the trend a resounding thumbs down, fitness experts feel actresses such as Shilpa Shetty, Bipasha

Basu and Sherlyn Chopra, all of whom have a fitness DVD to their credit, should stick to what they do best — acting. “As far as learning yoga from celebrities goes, it is like learning acting from me! I would advise against it,” said celebrity yoga guru Bharat Thakur. “I’d never teach certain things like difficult postures or breathing techniques on DVD.”

“What works for Bipasha Basu may not work for some other person,” says fitness expert Tasneem Zaki. “When a client comes to me, I chalk out a fitness plan for him depending on his fitness levels and fat percentage.”

The demand for fitness DVDs shot up after actress Kareena Kapoor acquired size zero and gave credit to “power yoga” for her figure. “People don’t know what power yoga is but they come to me, to learn power yoga because Kareena swears by it,” Delhi-based yoga instructor Zubin Atre says.

“Celebrities with well-toned bodies launch fitness DVDs, and raise the expectations of people. They cash in on their target audience,” warns Noida-based yoga instructor Vineeta Gogia.

Bollywood bombshells are quick to defend their DVDs. “My DVD is not yoga, but a combination of cardio, abs, and multi-muscle group weight training technique. Everyone can have an opinion, but I know I’ve taken extra care,” says Bipasha.

“The workout flow of my DVD is going to be designed by fitness experts, so there’s no question of whether the viewer will benefit or not,” says Sherlyn.